Inside Laos

Overland from the modern capital Vientiane to ancient Luang Prabang city renown by its monastery and rich culture, with stop at Vang Vieng, a tranquil nice villages for activities such as kayaking, trekking...

Welcome to Laos. You will be transferred to your Vientiane, a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Soviet and American influences. After a short rest, we start visiting the major sights; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. En route to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Overnight in Vientiane.

We leave Vientiane for our journey northbound on national way 13. We will see some breathtaking scenery en route as we pass through spectacular countryside towards the mountainous region. We make a stop along the way at Vang Xang, a famous archeological site dating back to the 11th century. In the afternoon we reach the small and tranquil town of Vang Vieng, which is nestled on a bank of the Nam Song River. Its stunning scenery with a mixture of quiet atmosphere and limestone outcrops remains unspoiled. We cross the Nam Song river to Tham Jang caves and then enjoy a short trek through mountain landscape to explore the Tam None cave and some hill villages. Today ends with a superb panorama of the sunset reflecting over the Nam Song river.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

DAY 03. VANG VIENG - THAM PHOUTHAM (B/-/-)

After breakfast, we start on a local tractor through paddy field areas heading to Tham Phoukham caves, where you enjoy the beautiful and famous limestone cavern, surrounded by natural forests. Along the way, you have chance to explore the local cultures by meeting the local villagers and learning about their daily lifestyle. There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can take a swim to refresh yourself from the hot climate. You will have a picnic lunch and spending the day at the caves and its surrounding areas. On the way to return Vang Vieng we will visit the ethnic minority villages of Hmong, Souay and Taidam, meet the friendly hill tribe people and observing their traditional tribal costumes.

In the early morning we leave Vang Vieng for Luang Prabang, the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. Roads are well paved and we pass some stunning landscape scenery with a mixture of steep terraced fields and hill villages with stops for photos at some small hill tribe village en route. The Muang Xieng Nguen village is our next stop and we spend a short time observing the local lifestyle prior to reaching Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 05. LUANG PRABANG - PAKOU - LUANG PRABANG (B/-/-)

Today, we enjoy a short city tour seeing the city's oldest temple, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong where you can see the impressive “tree of life” mosaic pattern set in colored glass. Its exterior architecture is remarkable with the roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Laotian architecture. We then embark in a cruise upstream on the Mekong river, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside. We take an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xang Hai, reknown for the production of Lao rice wine. On return to Luang Prabang, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village with hand weaving.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 06. LUANG PRABANG - DEPARTURE (B/-/-)

The National museum (close Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings through the last sovereign. You will be transferred to airport fo onward flights. End of services.

RATES

Rates vary depend on group size, travel time, accommodation level, transportation and other service. Please check with us for the best tour rates.